Ted Beston was held at his home in Bromley on suspicion of sex offences. He was held at 6.30am and detectives were carrying out searches at the large detached house.

A woman officer emerged this morning carrying a laptop computer. The former Radio 1 producer — known as “Uncle” Ted Beston — was one of Savile’s closest friends.

He was held as part of Operation Yewtree which is examining hundreds of allegations against Savile as well as those who may have colluded with him in his offending, or were also involved in offending themselves.